Success for Europol

Criminal communication platform paralyzed

The criminals communicate via specially encrypted smartphones.

(Bild: Europol)

According to Europol, investigators have shut down a communication platform used by international criminals. Criminals worldwide were using the "Ghost" platform and its encryption techniques for drug trafficking, money laundering and violent crimes, according to the European police authority in The Hague.

According to Europol, "Ghost" was attractive to criminal gangs due to its sophisticated security measures. These included triple encryption of messages and the automatic deletion of messages on cell phones. Several thousand people around the world had used the network. Around 1000 messages were sent via it every day.

However, "Ghost" servers were ultimately found in France and Iceland, the owners of the company were discovered in Australia and funds were found in the USA. There had been several searches and technical interventions since the investigation began in spring 2022.

51 suspects arrested
According to Europol, a total of 51 suspects have now been arrested - 38 in Australia, 11 in Ireland and one each in Canada and Italy, the latter belonging to the Italian mafia group Sacra Corona Unita. Drugs, weapons and one million euros in cash were confiscated. Investigators from nine countries were involved in the operation.

"Few opportunities"
Organized crime is making extensive use of new encryption techniques to ensure their safety from prosecution and their anonymity, according to the European police authority. However, even the most secret communications have little chance against international efforts, said Europol chief Catherine De Bolle.